title: A technique for arthroscopic evaluation of the first carpometacarpal joint.
abstract: Arthroscopy of the first carpometacarpal joint has been developed as a reliable surgical procedure offering an opportunity for direct evaluation of the joint's intra-articular status, with minimal morbidity to the joint capsule. The procedure uses a 1.9-mm short barrel arthroscope with standard supportive electronic equipment. After adequate anesthesia is established, approximately 5 lb. of longitudinal traction is applied to the thumb. Arthroscopic portals are located on the radial side of the abductor pollicis longus tendon (1-R portal) and the ulnar side of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon (1-U portal). Care must be exercised in establishing these portals so that injury to the radial artery and branches of the superficial radial nerve can be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Berger
mesh_terms: D020679:Arthroscopes; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013933:Thumb; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*